SSDI: Working While Disabled - Connecticut, CT Guide

SSDI Denials and Appeals for Working While Disabled: Connecticut, CT Guide

Working while disabled can be a lifeline, but it can also complicate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. In Connecticut, claimants often try to keep working part-time or attempt a return to work while still dealing with serious medical limitations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates such work very closely. If SSA decides your work shows you can perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) or that you improved enough to work, your SSDI application may be denied, or your benefits may be ceased after a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). This guide explains how SSA looks at work during the disability process, why denials happen, and how to appeal-tailored for Connecticut residents.

Connecticut is part of SSA's Boston Region (Region 1), and disability claims from cities like Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Waterbury follow the same federal rules that apply nationwide. However, the path to a successful SSDI claim or appeal often depends on how well you document your medical limitations, how transparently you report your work, and whether you meet strict deadlines. This guide provides clear, claimant-focused information grounded in SSA regulations and the Social Security Act-so you can take informed next steps whether you are filing a new application, seeking reconsideration after a denial, or preparing for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Importantly, SSA has specific work-incentive rules to encourage attempts to return to work, such as the Trial Work Period (TWP), the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs), and Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). These rules can protect benefits during limited work attempts or provide safety nets if your medical condition forces you to stop. Understanding and correctly applying these protections-especially in the context of an appeal-can make the difference between a denial and an approval.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights in Connecticut

SSDI is a federal insurance program. Your eligibility is based on work credits and a qualifying disability under federal law. The definition of disability comes from the Social Security Act and regulations, not state law. You will need to show that your medically determinable impairment(s) prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. See Social Security Act § 223(d), 42 U.S.C. § 423(d). The SSA's sequential evaluation process is codified at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 and related sections.

Key rights for Connecticut claimants include:

• The right to apply and to appeal. If SSA denies your claim, you can pursue reconsideration, then an ALJ hearing, Appeals Council review, and finally federal court review. These rights and deadlines are set by federal regulation, including 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909 (reconsideration) and 404.933 (requesting a hearing), and by 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (judicial review).
• The right to representation. You may appoint a representative-an attorney or a qualified non-attorney-to assist you before SSA. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1705 (who may be a representative), 404.1710 (duties of a representative), and 404.1720-404.1725 (approval of representative's fees).
• The right to submit evidence. You can provide medical records, opinions from your treating providers, and non-medical evidence (like employer statements) that clarify how your condition limits your work. SSA's rules require full consideration of all relevant evidence. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.
• The right to work incentives. If you try to work, SSA must evaluate your work under rules like the Trial Work Period (TWP) at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592 and the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592a. Attempts to work under special conditions or that do not last may not count as evidence against disability in the same way as sustained work. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1573(c) (special conditions), 404.1574(c) (unsuccessful work attempt).

In Connecticut courts, only attorneys admitted to the Connecticut bar may provide legal representation in court. For SSA administrative proceedings (applications, reconsiderations, and hearings), both attorneys and certain qualified non-attorneys may represent claimants under federal rules noted above. If you plan to retain counsel, ask whether the lawyer is licensed in Connecticut and experienced in SSDI appeals.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims When You Are Working

When you work while applying for or receiving SSDI, SSA closely screens whether your activity shows that you can perform SGA or that your functional capacity is greater than alleged. Common denial rationales include:

• Earnings indicate SGA. SSA uses a monthly earnings threshold as one measure of SGA. If your countable earnings are above the SGA level for the relevant year, SSA may deny your claim at step 1 of the sequential evaluation. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1571-404.1574. Earnings are not the only factor, but they are highly persuasive.
• No severe impairment or insufficient duration. If medical evidence doesn't show a severe impairment that lasts at least 12 months, SSA may deny at step 2. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). This can occur if SSA concludes that your work activity demonstrates minimal limitations.
• Failure to provide sufficient medical evidence. If records from your Connecticut providers (e.g., Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, UConn Health) are incomplete or missing, SSA may find your claim unsubstantiated. You are responsible for submitting or identifying evidence. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512.
• Work not evaluated under special conditions. SSA should consider whether your work is performed under special conditions-extra help, lower productivity standards, frequent breaks, or a sheltered environment-that mask the severity of your limitations. If not properly considered, SSA may overstate your ability. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1573(c).
• Unsuccessful work attempt (UWA) not recognized. A brief attempt at work that ends due to your impairment may be a UWA and may not show you can sustain SGA. If SSA overlooks UWA criteria (e.g., duration, medical reasons for stopping), it can lead to denial. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c).
• Trial Work Period (TWP) misunderstood. For beneficiaries already entitled to SSDI, the TWP lets you test your ability to work for a limited number of months without losing benefits, regardless of your monthly earnings level. Misinterpretation of TWP can trigger improper benefit cessation. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592.
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) and subsidies/IRWEs not applied. After TWP, EPE rules can protect benefits during months when countable earnings fall below SGA. SSA should also reduce countable earnings for impairment-related work expenses and employer subsidies. Failure to apply these rules can cause denials or overpayments. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1574(a)(2) (subsidy), 404.1576 (IRWEs), 404.1592a (EPE).
• Credibility/findings on activities of daily living (ADLs). Statements about daily activities, caregiving, or school/work attendance can be weighed against your claimed limitations. If your records suggest more capacity than alleged, SSA may deny at steps 4 or 5.

Many of these issues can be addressed by careful documentation, timely reporting of work, and clear medical opinions explaining why you cannot sustain full-time competitive work despite limited attempts.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations You Should Know

SSDI determinations are governed by federal statutes and regulations. For Connecticut claimants, the same federal framework applies. Key provisions include:

• Definition of disability. Social Security Act § 223(d), 42 U.S.C. § 423(d), defines disability. SSA implements this via the five-step sequential evaluation in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.
• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and work evaluation. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1571-404.1576 describe how SSA evaluates work, including SGA, employee versus self-employment analyses, subsidies, special conditions (20 C.F.R. § 404.1573(c)), unsuccessful work attempts (20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c)), and impairment-related work expenses (20 C.F.R. § 404.1576).
• Trial Work Period (TWP) and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592 sets out TWP rules. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592a governs the EPE, including when benefits can be reinstated if countable earnings drop below SGA after TWP. Expedited Reinstatement (EXR), based on 42 U.S.C. § 422, may apply if benefits terminated due to work and you become unable to continue working again within a specific timeframe.
• Appeals process and deadlines. Reconsideration at 20 C.F.R. § 404.909, hearing before an ALJ at 20 C.F.R. § 404.933, Appeals Council review at 20 C.F.R. § 404.968, and federal court review under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Good cause for late filing is addressed in 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.
• Reporting duties. Beneficiaries must report work and changes that may affect benefits. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1588 (events you must report).
• Representation and fees. Who may represent you is covered by 20 C.F.R. § 404.1705; representative duties appear in § 404.1710; fee approval and payment are covered by §§ 404.1720-404.1730.

These protections exist to ensure claimants are not punished for cautious work attempts and that evidence is evaluated fairly. In practice, properly documenting subsidies, special conditions, IRWEs, and the medical reasons a job ended can be decisive on appeal.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial in Connecticut

Most SSDI applications are initially denied. If your denial cites work activity-or if you worked while disabled-take the following steps promptly and carefully. All timelines below are based on federal regulations; always read your denial notice for the deadline that applies to you.

1) File for Reconsideration (generally within 60 days)

You typically have 60 days from the date you receive the notice (SSA presumes receipt 5 days after the date on the notice) to request reconsideration. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.909. If you miss the deadline, you can request an extension by showing good cause under 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.

• What to submit: Updated medical records from your Connecticut providers, including clinics and hospitals where you receive treatment.
• Employer statements documenting reduced productivity, extra supervision, fewer or flexible hours, or other special conditions under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1573(c).
• Evidence of IRWEs (20 C.F.R. § 404.1576), such as out-of-pocket costs for medications, mobility devices, or specialized transportation that are necessary for work due to your impairment.
• Documentation of subsidies (20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(a)(2)), where your employer pays more than the reasonable value of your actual services.
• If your work ended or dropped quickly due to your condition, explain why it was an unsuccessful work attempt under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c).

2) Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge

If reconsideration is denied, you generally have 60 days from receipt of the reconsideration denial to request a hearing. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.933. Hearings for Connecticut claimants are scheduled by SSA's Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). Locations can vary and may be in person, by video, or by telephone depending on SSA's current procedures and your notice of hearing.

• Prepare your testimony: Be ready to explain how symptoms limit you day-to-day, why part-time or sporadic work doesn't translate to full-time capacity, and the medical reasons you needed special supervision or additional breaks.
• Get a functional opinion (RFC) from your treating provider: Detailed restrictions-e.g., off-task time, absences per month, lifting, standing, and concentration limits-often weigh heavily at hearing.
• Address vocational issues: If a vocational expert testifies, your representative can cross-examine regarding employer tolerance for off-task behavior, absenteeism, or the impact of special conditions on job availability.

3) Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you may request Appeals Council review within 60 days of receiving the decision. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968. You can argue that the ALJ misapplied work-incentive rules, improperly evaluated special conditions or IRWEs, or overlooked relevant medical evidence.

4) Federal Court (District of Connecticut)

After the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you can file a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut within 60 days of receiving the Appeals Council's notice, under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). At this stage, you typically need an attorney licensed in Connecticut or admitted to practice before the District of Connecticut.

How Working While Disabled Affects Eligibility and Appeals

SSA encourages attempts at work through specific rules. Understanding them can strengthen your appeal:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): SSA sets a monthly dollar amount as a guide to SGA. If your countable earnings exceed SGA, SSA may find you not disabled. But countable earnings can be reduced by subsidies and IRWEs. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1574(a)(2), 404.1576.
• Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA): If you tried returning to work but had to stop or reduce below SGA within a short period due to your condition, the work may be a UWA and may not show the ability to sustain SGA. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c).
• Special Conditions: Work performed with extra assistance, lower productivity standards, or a sheltered setting may not reflect competitive, full-time capacity. SSA must consider these conditions. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1573(c).
• Trial Work Period (TWP): For beneficiaries already entitled to SSDI, the TWP allows a limited number of months of testing your ability to work without losing benefits, regardless of earnings. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592.
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After TWP, the EPE provides a window during which benefits can be paid for months when your countable earnings fall below SGA. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592a.
• Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): If benefits terminated due to work and within a certain period you can no longer continue working due to the same or related condition, you may request EXR and receive provisional benefits while SSA reviews your claim. See 42 U.S.C. § 422 and implementing regulations.
• Reporting Work: You must promptly report work and earnings to SSA to avoid overpayments. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1588.

In appeals, clearly mapping your work history to these rules-especially showing why earnings should be reduced for IRWEs or subsidies, or why a stint was a UWA-can tip the scales in your favor. Your medical evidence should connect the dots: symptoms, functional limits, and why work failed or required extraordinary accommodations.

Evidence Strategies That Often Help Connecticut Claimants

• Detailed provider statements: Ask treating physicians in Connecticut to provide narrative letters or RFC forms addressing stamina, attendance, pace, and need for breaks. The more specific the functional limits, the more useful for steps 4-5.
• Employer verifications: If you worked under special conditions, request a signed statement from your supervisor detailing extra help, reduced productivity expectations, or modified duties.
• IRWE documentation: Keep receipts and records for impairment-related expenses necessary for work-co-pays, assistive devices, specialized transportation, or services-so your representative can argue for reducing countable earnings under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1576.
• Work logs and calendars: Track flareups, missed days, and off-task episodes. Patterns help show unsustainable work capacity.
• Consistency across records: Make sure descriptions of your limits are consistent in medical notes, work records, and your testimony.

Appeals Timeline, Deadlines, and What to Expect

SSDI appeals follow set stages under federal law:

• Reconsideration: 60 days from receipt of the initial denial to file; see 20 C.F.R. § 404.909. You may submit new evidence.
• Hearing before an ALJ: 60 days from receipt of the reconsideration denial to request; see 20 C.F.R. § 404.933. Hearings may be in person, video, or by phone. You can present witnesses and cross-examine the vocational expert.
• Appeals Council: 60 days from receipt of the ALJ decision to request review; see 20 C.F.R. § 404.968. The Appeals Council may deny review, remand, or issue its own decision.
• Federal Court: 60 days from receipt of the Appeals Council's notice to file a civil action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

SSA presumes you receive decisions 5 days after the date on the notice unless you show otherwise. Good cause for missing a deadline may exist in limited circumstances. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.

Local Resources & Practical Steps for Connecticut Claimants

Finding Your SSA Office

Connecticut residents can identify their local Social Security field office by using SSA's online locator. Field offices in cities such as Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Waterbury serve surrounding communities for applications, document submissions, and general inquiries. Always call ahead or check current office status online before visiting.

Find Your Local Social Security Office (SSA Office Locator)

Regional Context

Connecticut is within SSA's Boston Region (Region 1), which administers disability operations and hearing offices across the New England states. Your case may be handled by Connecticut field offices and heard by an OHO assigned to Connecticut claimants. Confirm the exact hearing format and location when you receive your Notice of Hearing.

SSA Boston Region (Region 1) Information

Healthcare Evidence in Connecticut

Your medical care in Connecticut-whether through major systems such as Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, or care providers statewide-should be thoroughly documented. Ask your providers to submit records and opinion evidence directly to SSA when possible, and keep copies for your appeal. Regular treatment and objective findings often carry significant weight in the decision.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals in Connecticut

You may choose to hire an attorney or a qualified non-attorney representative for your SSDI appeal. Representation is often most helpful when:

• Your denial cites SGA-level earnings and you need to present IRWEs, subsidies, or UWA evidence to reduce countable earnings.
• Vocational issues are complex, including transferable skills or mental/non-exertional limitations impacting pace and attendance.
• You have multiple impairments requiring a coordinated evidentiary strategy across records from different Connecticut providers.
• You face an Appeals Council or federal court review, where legal briefing standards apply.

Under SSA's rules, a representative's fee generally must be approved by SSA (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1720-404.1725). In Connecticut courts, attorneys must be admitted to the Connecticut bar or otherwise authorized to practice before that court. Ask potential representatives about their experience with work-related denials and the five-step disability analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions for Connecticut Workers

Can I work part-time while applying for SSDI?

Yes, but SSA will evaluate whether your work is SGA and whether it reflects functional capacity inconsistent with disability. If your work is under special conditions or ends quickly due to your condition, it may be considered an unsuccessful work attempt or work under special conditions. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1573(c), 404.1574(c).

What if I already receive SSDI and want to try working?

If you are already entitled to SSDI, the Trial Work Period allows a limited number of months to test work without losing benefits regardless of monthly earnings. After TWP, the EPE may protect benefits during months your countable earnings fall below SGA. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1592, 404.1592a.

How do I report my work to SSA?

Report promptly by phone, in person, or via your my Social Security account if available. Failing to report can cause overpayments. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1588.

What medical evidence should I submit?

Submit objective testing, treatment notes, specialist opinions, and an RFC statement showing your functional limits. If your job accommodations are significant, ask your employer to document them.

How to Strengthen Your Appeal if SSA Denied You for Working

• Reframe earnings with allowed deductions: Apply IRWEs and employer subsidies to reduce countable earnings. Cite 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1574(a)(2), 404.1576.
• Show the work was not sustainable: Establish a UWA with clear evidence that your impairment forced you to stop or reduce work below SGA within a relatively short period. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1574(c).
• Highlight special conditions: If you worked in a sheltered setting, at a slower pace, with frequent extra breaks, or under close supervision, show that your job was not competitive employment as typically performed. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1573(c).
• Align testimony with medical opinions: Your statements about fatigue, pain, mental health symptoms, or cognitive issues should match your providers' observations and functional assessments.
• Keep to deadlines: File reconsideration, hearing, and Appeals Council requests within the 60-day windows. If late, request good cause under 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.

Connecticut-Specific Practical Notes

• Local SSA access: Use the SSA Office Locator to confirm your field office information and scheduling procedures for Connecticut cities and towns.
• Hearing logistics: Your Notice of Hearing will state if your hearing is in person, by phone, or by video. Follow the instructions in your notice carefully, and submit pre-hearing evidence by the deadlines listed.
• District of Connecticut filings: If your case proceeds to federal court under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), it will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

Authoritative Resources

• SSA Red Book: A Guide to Work Incentives
• SSA: Appeal a Decision
• SSA Field Office Locator (Find Your Local Office)
• 20 C.F.R. § 404.909 (Reconsideration)
• 20 C.F.R. § 404.1592 (Trial Work Period)

Action Plan Checklist for Connecticut Claimants

• Read your denial closely: Identify whether SSA denied for SGA, insufficient medical evidence, or other reasons related to working.
• Mark your deadline: Calculate 60 days from the date you receive the decision (plus 5 days mailing presumption) to request reconsideration or a hearing.
• Gather evidence: Request updated medical records from all Connecticut providers; obtain treating source opinions and employer statements on special conditions.
• Calculate countable earnings: Identify IRWEs, subsidies, and whether any periods qualify as UWAs to reduce or negate SGA findings.
• File your appeal: Submit reconsideration or hearing requests on time. Keep copies of confirmations.
• Consider representation: Consult an SSDI representative knowledgeable about work-incentive rules and appeals in Connecticut.
• Prepare for testimony: Outline day-to-day limits and why any work was unsustainable.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney or qualified representative.

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Need Help Now?

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.